u/Cal_Morrow

An interesting article in Thaiger, skims the surface on costs but its always good to have multiple sources.

I see quite a few posts asking about the cost of living in the Philippines, guys considering relocating. I also see lots of responses, many based on perceptions or specific locations. Here is a sample of a few facts I pulled from my book comparing relocation considerations for Thailand and the Philippines. Many more statistics, topics and lessons learned covered in my experience-based book on Amazon. "Retire, Relocate or Just Escape".

Both countries converted to USD at current exchange rates:

Utilities (Monthly)

Item	Thailand (USD/month)	Philippines (USD/month)
Basic utilities, 85 sqm apartment	$75–$100	$99–$130
Broadband internet (60 Mbps+)	$15–$22	$25–$32
Mobile plan (10GB+)	$10–$15	$18–$24

Groceries

Item	Thailand (USD)	Philippines (USD)
Milk (1 liter)	$1.75–$2.00	$1.63–$1.81
Eggs (12)	$1.55–$1.75	$1.75–$2.15
Chicken breast (1 lb)	$1.40–$1.65	$1.19–$1.37
Beef (1 lb, ground)	$5.50–$7.00	$2.75–$3.50
Rice (1 lb)	$0.50–$0.65	$0.35–$0.45
Onions (1 lb)	$0.60–$0.75	$1.00–$1.25
Potatoes (1 lb)	$0.60–$0.75	$0.90–$1.25
Mid-range bottle of wine	$16–$20	$5–$8
Domestic beer (bottle)	$1.50–$1.85	$1.00–$1.30

I see quite a few posts asking about the cost of living in the Philippines, guys considering relocating. I also see lots of responses, many based on perceptions or specific locations. Here is a sample of a few facts I pulled from my book comparing relocation considerations for Thailand and the Philippines. Many more statistics, topics and lessons learned covered in my experience-based book on Amazon. "Retire, Relocate or Just Escape".

Both countries converted to USD at current exchange rates:

Utilities (Monthly)

Item	Thailand (USD/month)	Philippines (USD/month)
Basic utilities, 85 sqm apartment	$75–$100	$99–$130
Broadband internet (60 Mbps+)	$15–$22	$25–$32
Mobile plan (10GB+)	$10–$15	$18–$24

Groceries

Item	Thailand (USD)	Philippines (USD)
Milk (1 liter)	$1.75–$2.00	$1.63–$1.81
Eggs (12)	$1.55–$1.75	$1.75–$2.15
Chicken breast (1 lb)	$1.40–$1.65	$1.19–$1.37
Beef (1 lb, ground)	$5.50–$7.00	$2.75–$3.50
Rice (1 lb)	$0.50–$0.65	$0.35–$0.45
Onions (1 lb)	$0.60–$0.75	$1.00–$1.25
Potatoes (1 lb)	$0.60–$0.75	$0.90–$1.25
Mid-range bottle of wine	$16–$20	$5–$8
Domestic beer (bottle)	$1.50–$1.85	$1.00–$1.30

I have lived in Asia for almost 40 years, three times in the Philippines. I will be publishing a book in the next week comparing the Philippines and Thailand facts flavored by personal experiences and lessons learned the hard way.

Here is the chapter outline I'm working on.

Chapter 1: Why I Wrote This Book

Chapter 2: The Journey

Manila, 2015

Bangkok, 2017

Hua Hin, 2021

Manila and the House Build, 2024–2025

Angeles City

Chapter 3: Deciding Where to Live

Manila / Rockwell

Bangkok

Hua Hin

Angeles City

Other Locations in the Philippines

Iloilo City · Cebu City · Boracay · South of Manila (Tagaytay, Cavite, Laguna)

Other Locations in Thailand

Chiang Mai · Koh Samui · Phuket

Chapter 4: Accommodation

What You Get for Your Money

Universal Truths

Advertising

Agents

Contracts

Furnished vs. Unfurnished

Closing Comparison

Chapter 5: Buying or Building

Foreign Ownership Rules

Property Ownership Through a Spouse

Buying Existing Property

Selection Process — Do’s and Don’ts · Home Inspection Services · Title Verification · Condo Considerations

Considerations When Buying or Building a Home

What Went Wrong: Building · What Went Right and Wrong: Buying Pre-Built

Advance Payments: A Special Caution for the Philippines

Closing Summary

Chapter 6: Renting

Finding a Rental

The Rental Agreement

Moving In

During the Tenancy

Ending the Lease

Chapter 7: Visas

Chapter 8: Infrastructure

Chapter 9: Banking

Chapter 10: Safety & Security

Chapter 11: Cost of Living

Chapter 12: Food & Shopping

Chapter 13: Recreation

Chapter 14: Driving & Transportation

Chapter 15: Healthcare

Chapter 16: Intra-country and International Travel

Chapter 17: Closing — Making Your Decision